Motion Control & Drives


Compact, 3-mode 110 kW AC drive

October 2003 Motion Control & Drives

The PowerFlex 700 AC drive offers high performance in an easy-to-use drive. The drive is designed to control three-phase induction motors in applications with requirements ranging from the simplest speed control to a demanding torque control. Three control modes are included in one drive, these are: vector control (with Allen Bradley's 'Force Technology'), sensorless vector, and V/Hz control.

These control schemes allow open or closed loop speed regulation for applications ranging from fans and pumps to precise control of winders. Torque production and tight torque regulation is possible for demanding applications like extruders and Web processes. Fast update times of torque inputs are suitable for high performance applications.

There are a number of features that make these drives easy to use, they include an LCD human interface module (HIM) with multiline and multilingual display that simplifies programming. SMART start and detailed assisted start-up routines in the LCD HIM allows for easy configuring and tuning of the drive. Pull-apart control terminal blocks allow for easy wiring and quick disconnect. The control cassette, which houses all control, I/O and encoder options, is easy to remove and interchangeable with all PowerFlex 700 drive ratings.

Optimised global voltage settings designed to worldwide standards allow quick set-up of these drives, anywhere in the world. Useful PC software tools, such as DriveExplorer, DriveTools 2000 and RSLogix 5000 make programming, configuration, monitoring and troubleshooting easier.

The bookshelf design means that space is saved, with Rockwell claiming a space requirement that is 68% smaller than other global drives. Making use of the Zero Stacking ability (side-by-side mounting of the drives), in many cases twice as many drives can be packaged in the same panel space as competitive products. Internal communication options can save both panel space and wiring time. Internal brake transistors, integral EMC filters and integral common mode chokes all contribute to a unit that is simple to connect up.

The PowerFlex 700 standard packaged AC drives program simplifies installation and start-up by allowing users to order drive packages that combine operator interface, control, communications and power options in pre-configured assemblies. Offering a number of commonly requested pre-engineered options, as well as more complex packages; standard packaged drives provide a wide range of motor control options.

Communications is achieved by means of Rockwell Automation's NetLinx open network architecture. This provides the common set of features and services for DeviceNet, ControlNet and EtherNet/IP networks resulting in lower total cost of ownership. Users can easily manage information from shop floor to top floor and seamlessly integrate their complete system as they control, configure and collect data.

These drives also offer a dedicated internal communications option, helping the user to cost-effectively assemble highly integrated applications that link drives to the manufacturing process through Rockwell Automation NetLinx open architecture-based networks including: DeviceNet, ControlNet, Universal Remote I/O, and other open communications including Profibus and Interbus-S. Status indicators for all internal communications options are visible on the cover for easy set-up and monitoring of drive communications. It has been noted that many applications that previously required encoder feedback can be run open loop with performance results exceeding the application's requirements.

The units are designed to meet stringent EMC standards without adding additional filtering, as all the filtering necessary to meet CE certification is built into the drive. This saves valuable panel space, but it also eliminates any of the user's concerns regarding compliance. PowerFlex 700 drives have internal common mode cores on the output leads. This helps reduce common mode noise that can be problematic to other components in the system.

The drive effectively protects the motor from damage due to reflected wave phenomenon. This phenomenon is the result of voltage spikes that are caused by transistors switching into long motor cables. If these voltages exceed the insulation rating of the motor, failure will occur.

Over the past decade, Rockwell Automation has pioneered the investigation and resolution of this reflected wave phenomenon. This has resulted in proprietary and patented reflected wave reduction algorithms and hardware solutions - both internal to the drive as well as external.



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